Incorrigible: meaning, definitions and examples

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incorrigible

 

[ ɪnˈkɔːrɪdʒəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

negative behavior

The term 'incorrigible' refers to a person or behavior that is not able to be corrected, reformed, or improved. This word is often used to describe someone who continues to engage in undesirable actions despite attempts to change them. An incorrigible individual typically shows little regard for rules or social norms and is resistant to any form of discipline or reform. The term can apply to various contexts, including education, law, and personal relationships.

Synonyms

hopeless, irreformable, unmanageable.

Examples of usage

  • He is an incorrigible prankster.
  • The incorrigible student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
  • Despite numerous warnings, his incorrigible habits persisted.

Translations

Translations of the word "incorrigible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incorrigível

🇮🇳 असंवर्धनीय

🇩🇪 unverbesserlich

🇮🇩 tidak dapat diperbaiki

🇺🇦 некоригований

🇵🇱 niepoprawny

🇯🇵 手に負えない

🇫🇷 incorrigible

🇪🇸 incorregible

🇹🇷 düzeltilemez

🇰🇷 교정할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير قابل للإصلاح

🇨🇿 neopravený

🇸🇰 neopravený

🇨🇳 不可改正的

🇸🇮 nepopravljiv

🇮🇸 óbætanlegur

🇰🇿 түзетілмейтін

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი

🇦🇿 düzəldilməz

🇲🇽 incorregible

Etymology

The word 'incorrigible' comes from the Latin 'incorrigibilis', which means 'not able to be corrected'. It is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'corrigere', which means 'to correct' or 'to straighten'. The term began to be used in English around the late 14th century, initially in a religious context to describe sinners who were beyond redemption. Over time, its use expanded to encompass various forms of stubborn behavior, particularly in the context of children or individuals who repeatedly ignore correction and advice. The notion of being incorrigible suggests a deep-seated pattern of behavior that is resistant to change, and it is frequently used in legal and educational settings to describe individuals who fail to reform despite intervention.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,354, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.